MXPA06013288A - Vehicle storage system . - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards a vehicle storage structure, for the compact parking and garaging of vehicles. Preferred embodiments comprise one or more two dimensional arrays of parking bays accessed by one or more travelling carriages capable of lifting and transferring vehicles to and from parking bays. Conveyors, upon which a vehicle rests, are provided on the lifting platform of carriages, the parking bays, and the loading and access points for vehicles to the storage^ structure. The conveyors enable vehicles to be moved by the system, without relying the vehicles to be driven under their own power.

Description

VEHICLE STORAGE SYSTEM Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle storage structure, for the parking or garage parking of vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the storage or parking of vehicles in a vehicle storage structure. Typically, these structures comprise an arrangement, which has both width and height, so that several cars can be stored in an area that has a relatively small coverage, a valuable attribute where the land is of very high price. These systems are already known. Most are based on pallet-type systems, where a vehicle is driven on a special platform that is then subsequently stored in an available parking bay. However, these systems require pallets to be provided for each vehicle potentially capable of being stored in the structure. This can be added significantly to the cost, as well as to the complexity, of the structure. Additionally, where parking positions that are more than one vehicle depth are provided, the space is not used efficiently. A pallet will be designed to supply the longest vehicle capable of being transported and stored, even many vehicles can be much shorter. For example, a vehicle parking spot can be only two platform depths, but capable of storing three compact cars. The pallet system, therefore has several disadvantages. Several systems provide only storage in a stack, that is, an array with height, but only one vehicle width. This simplifies the lifting arrangement, which requires only a lifting device to raise the vehicles to the necessary height. However, these arrangements are limited in size and are not practicable (due to the cost of the multiple lifting equipment, one for each pile) where large numbers of vehicles will be stored. Some repairs use fork-type arrangements to lift and place vehicles inside a parking bay. However, these arrangements are not favorable to many modern vehicles that can be easily damaged by lifting in this way, or by not being supported in precise body lift positions.

Another characteristic of the systems in the market is that the vertical and horizontal travel of the elevator of the traveling vehicle does not occur simultaneously. The operations are carried out separately, which significantly encourages the process of storing or recovering a vehicle. This is undesirable for busy facilities, such as at an airport or train station, however it is acceptable to put tenant cars in the garage in a small apartment block. Finally, many parking structures are fixed and inflexible in construction. There are no known systems that can be easily dismantled after temporary use, and move to a new site. Therefore, the potential applications of these vehicle storage systems are limited. Accordingly, there are several limitations of the prior art, which the present invention seeks to address. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle parking or garage parking system that addresses some of the problems of the prior art. At least, it is an object of the present invention to provide the public with a useful lesson. The aspects of the present invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the following description.

General Description of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles comprising a plurality of vehicle parking bays, and at least one mobile vehicle elevator; a vehicle parking bay that includes a means of transport, in which a vehicle can rest, and is capable of moving a vehicle forward or backward; The mobile vehicle lift is capable of traveling both horizontally and vertically between at least one vehicle access point, and a vehicle parking bay. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which the array comprises a plurality of vehicle parking bays in both a vertical and horizontal direction. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which a vehicle parking bay has depth, capable of accommodating a plurality of vehicles from end to end. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which there are a plurality of arrangements accessible to a mobile vehicle elevator. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which the means of transport in both the mobile vehicle elevator, and in the vehicle parking bay, can interact to facilitate the transfer of a vehicle between the two. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which the means of transport in both the mobile vehicle elevator, and in a vehicle access point, can interact to facilitate the transfer of a vehicle between the two. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which a plurality of vehicle access points, accessible to a mobile vehicle elevator, are provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which the means of transport in the mobile vehicle lifter is immobilized against the operation while the elevator is in motion mobile of vehicles. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which the means of transport in a mobile vehicle lifter is immobilized against the operation unless the elevator is aligned with the vehicle. either or both of a vehicle parking bay, or a vehicle access point. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which the means of transport in a vehicle parking bay is immobilized against the operation unless the mobile vehicles is aligned with this. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which the mobile vehicle elevator is capable of simultaneously moving horizontally and vertically, according to another aspect of the invention. present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which the vehicle parking bays are placed within a constructed structure of modular units. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which the vehicle parking bays are placed within a structure comprising a dismantling frame. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which the means of transport for a vehicle parking bay substantially comprises a replaceable modular unit. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which a mobile vehicle lifter comprises a moving carriage, a vehicle platform, and a platform lifting means. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which the travel of a mobile vehicle lift is by any one or more of: a chain drive system, wheels motorized, a nut and screw type system, electromagnetic propulsion, a rack and pinion type system, cable and pulley system, hydraulic or pneumatic systems. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which the lifting of the vehicle platform of a mobile vehicle lift is by any one or more of: drive mechanism of chain, systems type nut and screw, a system type rack and pinion, systems type connector and ratchet, systems of cable or pulley, hydraulic or pneumatic systems. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, in which a means of perception is provided in the mobile vehicle elevator to determine whether it is exactly aligned with a parking bay of vehicles and / or vehicle access point. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described above, wherein the sense means helps to accurately guide and align a mobile vehicle elevator.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for stacking vehicles is provided, substantially as described above, in which there are provided temporary storage positions, in which the mobile vehicle elevator can temporarily place vehicles when access is had to vehicles stored behind the front vehicle in systems that provide vehicle parking bays for more than one depth of vehicle. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described in the preceding paragraph, in which other vacant vehicle parking bays may be used as a temporary storage position. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described in the previous paragraph, in which at least one vehicle service tray is also provided, to which a vehicle can be temporarily transferred. vehicle for service or cleaning. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described in the previous paragraph, in which the vehicle parking bays are arranged in a structure that is, when viewed in a view on the upper floor, either curved or substantially circular. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles, substantially as described in the previous description, which includes a control system that implements at least one of: remembering which vehicle is stored where; set priorities for movements; optimize the trip between positions for the transfer of vehicles; record the estimated time of the driver's return (potentially factoring this in optimized vehicle movements); special security requests; provide available options such as service and cleaning and take requests associated with drivers; allow recovery by other authorized or designated persons; provide accounting and cost facilities and account management. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a modular parking bay is provided, which includes a means of transport for moving a vehicle in forward or backward, the modular parking bay that is for use in the apparatus for stack vehicles, substantially as described in the previous description.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular parking bay, substantially as described above, in which the vehicle is a boat, which is provided with a jackpot elevator comprising a capable lifting means. of extending into the water to bounce and remove the boats, the boat loading elevator is capable of lifting floating boats up to the level of the vehicle elevator for transfer to, and from, either or both of: i) a means of transport in the vehicle lift, or ii) a trailer present in the means of transport in the vehicle lift. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular parking bay, substantially as described above, in which the boat loading elevator includes a means of transport for transporting a boat on or off the boat loading elevator. The apparatus of the present invention typically comprises a plurality of vehicle parking bays, one or more vehicle access points, and one or more mobile vehicle elevators, capable of transferring vehicles from an access point and a parking bay, and vice versa. Other vehicle movement operations can be performed occasionally.

The term vehicle comprises not only automobiles, vans and vans, but also includes trailers, boats and airplanes (although typically small airplanes). Typically, the plurality of vehicle parking bays are arranged in at least one two-dimensional arrangement, which has height and width. The arrangement, from the top floor view, can be linear, although it is also contemplated that the arrangement can be constructed to be curved, angled or circular in the top floor view. This will typically be a case of the user's choice, or where the requirements of available space (land) need highly alternative designs. Vehicle parking bays will typically be arranged in a regular pattern, although they do not need to do so. Each bay may be of substantially constant height and width, although bays of different sizes may be provided to provide certain vehicles, such as vehicles of excessive height or width. In a preferred embodiment, the structure comprising the vehicle parking bays will be modular, or of a construction that allows the structure to be easily dismantled or changed. In both cases, the arrangement allows the construction and use of temporary and semi-permanent structures (as well as permanent structures) that can be removed or repositioned after a period of use. Both arrangements also allow for easy expansion of the structure if more parking bays are needed, or different types of bays included. The modular units will typically comprise individual bays (although they may comprise several bays), which can be ideally lifted in position by crane. The required means of transport may be included, or subsequently installed to lift a module in position. Other arrangements may comprise a frame structure, mounted using removable fasteners (such as bolts). This allows for easy fabrication, as well as dismantling (for removal or change of structure design). As can be appreciated, other easily assembled arrangements, other than a frame structure, are available and can be used, for example, several components and preassembled sections. Each vehicle parking bay will have at least one opening that can visit the mobile vehicle lift. The opening will allow the transfer of a vehicle between the elevator and the bay. In some arrangements, a bay may have access openings at each end, particularly when it is capable of servicing the mobile vehicle elevators at each end of the bay. This will be more common in the apparatus where there is a plurality of arrangements (of vehicle parking bays) separated by mobile vehicle lifts; although an individual arrangement of bays can be served by mobile vehicle lifts on each side (ie, each end of the bays) to accelerate loading and recovery times in high traffic facilities. Vehicle parking bays can be more than one vehicle depth, to maximize space. The length can be optimized, such as two large vehicles or three compact vehicles in the length. The placement of a car in an appropriate bay will be monitored by the control system, to maximize the efficiency of stacking. In multi-depth parking bay systems, it may be desirable to introduce temporary storage bays, so that final vehicles can be temporarily placed while a vehicle is retrieved further in the bay. Other vacant vehicle parking bays may also be used in these operations, although it may be desirable to include a temporary storage bay, which may be a normal parking bay only assigned for temporary use, for situations where the structure is close to being filled. Other types of bays can also be provided. For example, one or more service bays can be provided to which vehicles can be distributed for options such as service, cleaning and grooming, etc. Service options may include, for example, fuel fill, lubrication checks, cooling fluid checks, mechanical service, tire replacement, etc. Vehicles reserved for various types of cleaning or service options can be distributed to the service bay according to a sequence determined by the control system. The sequence can be determined based on several factors, including (without limitation): time of entry into the structure, elapsed time of recovery of the structure, urgency indicated by the driver, expected time to complete the operation, lag of work, priority by type of work, etc. The control system can also include integrated accounting, so that the service can be paid for when a driver parks or retrieves your vehicle or later invoiced, you can implement several payments by credit card, electronic banking, account arrangements and billing. The service bay may only be a vehicle access point where a service or parking person retrieves a vehicle and takes it for service. However, it can be a specialized bay containing all the equipment that may be required, for example, a cleaning bay, it can include, for example, an automatic car wash. By implementing these options, a driver can return to have a completely complete and clean vehicle, etc., a valuable option for the busy executive. Vehicle access points are generally points where drivers can place their vehicles for storage, or to retrieve them. Typically they will comprise a platform, capable of loading the vehicle in, or from, a mobile vehicle lift (although it may be the elevator itself). More than one mobile vehicle lift can visit a particular access point. One or more vehicle access points can be provided. Typically, each access point is accompanied by a station where a driver can enter their instructions. This can be for storage, or recovery. You can also enter several available options, such as service or toilet (etc.,). The operation can be by numeric keypad, panel / touch screen, lever cards at startup, audible instructions to an operator or automated system, program instructions provided on a smartphone or PDA or dedicated devices, and / or remote control units (as many people can use to open their garage door). Help station facilities can be provided, including physical operators or assistants to help drivers. The apparatus also includes one or more mobile vehicle elevators, capable of transporting a vehicle between several bays and / or access points as may be required. A mobile vehicle lift can take many designs, although it is desirable to be able to travel (horizontally) while raising or lowering to reduce access times. The lift can be mounted on a mobile carriage capable of traveling along the length of a parking bay structure (or part thereof when multiple elevators are used to service different parts of a structure). The car can be driven by a variety of means, including a chain drive system, motorized wheels, a nut and screw type system, electromagnetic propulsion, a rack-and-pinion system, cable and pulley system, hydraulic or pneumatic systems, etc. There are a wide variety of options, and they can be implemented. However, desirably the system is relatively simple to implement, easy to maintain, reliable, and suitable for the task of moving a car with a vehicle.

A vehicle platform on which a vehicle can rest is also provided in the mobile vehicle elevator. This platform will be able to be lifted, with or without a vehicle as a load. The vehicle platform can be lifted in a variety of manner, including chain drive mechanisms, nut and screw type mechanisms, a rack and pinion type system, connector and turnstile type systems, cable and pulley systems, hydraulic or pneumatic systems , etc. In a preferred arrangement, a support mast is provided at each corner of the platform, the height of the mast that is substantially the same as, or greater than, the arrangement of the parking bays (except in systems using elevators at different elevations). , See later) . It supports one or more types of lifting arrangements (eg, hydraulic rams, chain drive systems, etc.), which are synchronized to lift a vehicle platform evenly and without tilt. To allow higher facilities to be used, mobile vehicle lifts operating at different elevations can be used. For example, to fear access to a higher level, the elevator further down can lift a vehicle to a temporary storage bay at its highest lift height. Here, this can be accessed by another mobile elevator that operates at a higher elevation. This operation can be repeated once again to gain increasing height. However, the use of multiple elevators can encourage access times and can be inefficient. Therefore, it is contemplated that these systems are best used when access points are available at different elevations (perhaps with their own on / off ramps at different street levels) for example, a person can enter a level, even if they can only Free parking bays are accessible on a level that is served by a different elevator. It will also allow the driver to return and recover his car to a different level (street), as an example. To facilitate the horizontal transfer of vehicles between components such as access points, parking bays, and vehicle platforms, a conveyor type system is used. Essentially, the wheels of the vehicle rest on a conveyor, which can propel the vehicle forward or backward, as may be required. The conveyors in the aligned components can be operated to work together, to facilitate (for example) the transfer of a vehicle between a vehicle platform and an access point, or a vehicle platform and a parking bay, or a vehicle platform and service bay, etc. When multiple vehicle depth parking bays are provided, the associated conveyor systems can be divided into several independently movable conveyors so that one vehicle can be moved in the bay without affecting another. In the case of storage of boats, where the boats are not initially loaded on the trailers, they can provide modified conveyor systems. The two conveyors of the preferred automobile embodiments can instead be mounted in a "V" arrangement to accommodate the shape of the boat's hull. The elements of the conveyor can be resilient, flexible and / or deviated (to allow movement) to allow different sized cans and different shapes of helmets to be accommodated. Each conveyor path can be part of a sprung or diverted system; for example, at rest, the two conveyor paths can form a narrow, tight "V" shape. The weight of a boat can push the conveyor paths outward to accommodate the shape of the hull, often several articulated and diverted arrangements are seen on the boat trailer rollers. A keel guide (which may comprise a series of roller) may be provided. An alternative arrangement is to load boats on trailers, and store the trailers as if they were vehicles. Since the present invention uses conveyor arrangements to move vehicles in and out of parking bays, the system is not restricted to driven vehicles, i.e. trailers, caravans, etc., which can all be stored if adjusted within the dimensions of the bays. The apparatus will typically have an associated control system, which can be quite simple in design although quite sophisticated, ideally, the control system will provide functions such as: remembering which vehicle is stored where, sorting by priority to movements, and optimizing the trip between positions for the transfer of vehicles. A more sophisticated system can include functions such as: recording estimated driver's return time (potentially factoring this in optimized vehicle movements); special security requests; facilitate aable options such as service and grooming and take associated requests from the driver, allow recovery by other authorized or designated persons; provide accounting and cost facilities and slope management; etc. It is contemplated that this type of control system will comprise a predominantly computer program solution for flexibility. It is contemplated that the control system may have the ability to interconnect with other systems, for example, it may send requests and receive information from a service department. This may allow, for example, the service department to request the recovery of the next vehicle in its service list. Again, this can be integrated with an accounting system to allow charges to be stored against an account, and / or automatically charge your credit to a bank or other type of fund account.

Description of the Figures The different aspects of the invention will be described with reference to the attached figures in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a terminal view of another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a modality of a mobile vehicle elevator and access point arrangement; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a mobile vehicle lift; Figure 6 is a terminal view of the embodiment of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the transportation means; Figure 8 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a step in a vehicle recovery process; Figure 10 is a perspective view of another step in a vehicle recovery process; Figure 11 is a side view of an embodiment of a multi-depth vehicle parking bay, Figure 12 is a plan view of a curved embodiment of the present invention, Figure 13 is a front view of a dock the present invention, and Figure 14 is a variation of the embodiment of Figure 13, in which boats are stored in trailers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to the figures and by way of example only, there is provided an apparatus for stacking vehicles (indicated generally by arrow 1) comprising a plurality of bays (indicated generally by arrow 2) of parking of vehicles, points (3a, 3b) of vehicle access, and a mobile elevator (indicated in general by arrow 4) of vehicles). Figures 1 to 3 show two arrangements (5a, 5b) of parking bays (2) in a separate arrangement to be served by an elevator (4) traveling or moving between the arrangements (5a, 5b). Figure 3 shows parking bays (2), placed in a non-regular arrangement, and where bays of different heights are also provided for vehicles of different sizes. Figure 4 illustrates the points (3a, 3b) of access with the mobile elevator (4) of vehicles in a position to receive a vehicle. The arrangements of parking bays are stored in the construction (8), as also illustrated in figure 3. An order entry station (9) is provided for a conductor to interconnect with the system in order to store or recover a vehicle. This may include a means of payment, such as a cash payment mechanism, and / or an electronic funds transfer (EFT) reader for banking and / or credit cards, etc. These payment options are most likely for use in public places. When putting into private garages, security cards, keyboards and devices, etc. will most likely be used. Motion perception equipment can be provided to ensure that the vehicle appears to be idle before storage is continued. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a mobile vehicle lifter (4). This comprises a support carriage (10) to allow traveling along rails (11). An electric motor (12) interacts with either a chain or cable to move the carriage horizontally (10). A vehicle platform (14) is supported at each corner by a mast (15) along which they can travel vertically; the masts that act as a guide for the trip. A system (not visible) of chain drive housed inside the masts (15) is driven by a pair of electric motors (16) to raise and lower the platform (14). Accordingly, in response to a control signal, the elevator (4) can travel horizontally while lifting the platform (14) vertically to place or retrieve a vehicle. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a conveyor assembly as used in parking bays (2), points (3) of access and platform (14) of vehicle. The wheels of a vehicle (not shown) are placed on the paths (17) of the conveyor. An electric motor (18) that drives connected rollers (19) turn the roads or tracks (17), as well as any vehicle in them, either backwards or forwards. By using this arrangement, a vehicle can be transferred between any one access point (3) or bay (2) and the platform (14) of the vehicle. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate recovery (or parking) of a vehicle (24) in a bay. In Figure 9, the vehicle platform (14) of the elevator (4) is aligned with the bay (2) so that the conveyors (20) and (21) are aligned. The conveyors (20, 21) are operated so that the automobile moves on the platform. Sensors may be provided to indicate that the vehicle is properly positioned. The vehicle (24) then is in the position of figure 10. The support platform (14) in the elevator (4) is operated to take the vehicle to the access point (3), or another position if required (by example, bay service, or temporary placement), lowering the vehicle as it travels horizontally. In Figure 9, one of the bays (30) is a service bay. This may include a manually operated gas pump operated by an assistant. An access point (not visible) may be provided on the back to allow the service person to retrieve and park the vehicles required for service. The bay (30) can also comprise or feed an automatic car wash. The same conveyor system can be used for washing cars. Each car parking bay can be modular units, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. Each module can be added or subtracted from the structure, and the control system is programmed accordingly. If necessary, the paths (11) for the car (10) can be extended. Figure 3 illustrates more of a frame construction, which can be quickly assembled or disassembled for alteration or removal. Figure 11 illustrates a structure of multi-depth parking bays, where parking bays (52) of more than one vehicle depth are used. The upper bay shows where up to three compact cars can be stored (41). The lower bay illustrates instead where two larger vehicles are stored (40). To accomplish this, multiple conveyors (41a-d) are used to allow the individual vehicles to move (finish one first for recovery) for placement. This represents a variation for some situations. Figure 12 illustrates a curved or circular parking bay structure, as a variation for certain situations (either for earth and space limitations, aesthetics or otherwise).

Figure 13 illustrates a variant for use for storage of boats, such as at docks. Here, there is a boat loading elevator (103) that extends into the water (192) and is capable of lifting a boat (162) up to the level of the car (110) and its platform 8114). The loading (and casting) portion (103) of boats also includes a platform (160) with its conveyor system (161) at an angle capable of accommodating the hull of a boat (162). The conveyor system (160) may be hinged to allow the conveyor paths (120) to extend outwardly to accommodate different shapes of helmets. In practice, the platform (160) is lowered to a boat (162) that is capable of floating in position. Once placed, the platform (160) is raised until the boat (162) is at a height at which it can be loaded on the platform (114) of the car (110). The conveyors move the boat over the car which then transports the boat to a suitable parking bay (130). Angle conveyor arrangements (121) within the bays (130) load the boat into the bay. The launch of a stored boat is essentially the inversion of this procedure. In Figure 14, the arrangement differs only in that a boat (162) is lifted on an empty trailer (180) on the truck loading platform (114). For example, an empty trailer (180) is retrieved from a parking bay (130) and is taken in front of the loading / launch elevator (103) of boats. Instead of the boat that is loaded directly on the platform (14) of the car (110), it is loaded onto the empty trailer (180) in the car. The trailer with the boat is then stored in the empty bay. The launch is essentially the inversion of this procedure. Additionally, a second load portion 190 is provided, so that the boat with the trailer can be connected to a motor vehicle or land vehicle to be towed. This second cargo portion (190) is essentially the same as the cargo portion for automobiles (for example (3b) in Figure 1). A second load portion can also be provided in the embodiment of Figure 13, so that a boat can be unloaded from the platform of the car and onto a trailer attached to a land vehicle. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as described herein. It should also be understood that the term "comprises" where it is used herein is not to be considered as being used in a limiting sense. Therefore "comprises" does not represent or define an exclusive set of points, but includes the possibility of these components and points that are added to the list. This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor with respect to the prior art. The description of the prior art should not be considered to be a dominant description of the true state of the prior art but rather as reference considerations drawn to the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention.

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS 1. Apparatus for stacking vehicles, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of vehicle parking bays, and at least one mobile vehicle elevator; the vehicle parking bay that includes a means of transport, on which a vehicle can rest, and capable of moving a vehicle forward or backward; the mobile vehicle lift that includes a means of transport, on which a vehicle can rest, and capable of moving a vehicle forward or backward; The mobile vehicle lift is capable of traveling both horizontally and vertically between at least one load point, and the access point to a vehicle parking bay. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the arrangement comprises a plurality of vehicle parking bays in both a vertical and horizontal direction. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle parking bay has depth, capable of accommodating a plurality of vehicles from end to end. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the means of transport in the mobile vehicle elevator, can interact with the means of transport in an access point, and the means of transport of a vehicle bay, to facilitate the transfer of the vehicle between the vehicle lift and any of the access point and the vehicle bay, respectively. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the means of transport in a mobile vehicle lifter is immobilized against the operation unless the elevator is correctly aligned with either or both of a vehicle parking bay, or a vehicle access point. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the means of transport in a vehicle parking bay is immobilized against the operation unless a mobile vehicle elevator is aligned therewith. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile vehicle elevator is able to move simultaneously horizontally and vertically. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle parking bays are placed within a structure constructed of modular units. 9. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle parking bays are placed inside a structure comprising a detachable frame. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that a mobile vehicle lifter comprises a mobile carriage, a vehicle platform, and a platform lifting means. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 10, characterized in that the travel of a mobile vehicle lift is by any or more of: a chain drive system, motorized wheels, a nut and screw type system, electromagnetic propulsion, a rack and pinion type system, cable and pulley system, hydraulic or pneumatic systems. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 10, characterized in that the lifting of the vehicle platform of a mobile vehicle lift is by any or more of: chain drive mechanism, nut and screw type systems, a type system rack and pinion, connector and ratchet type systems, cable or pulley systems, hydraulic or pneumatic systems. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 10, characterized in that a means of perception is provided in the mobile vehicle elevator to determine whether it is exactly aligned with a vehicle parking bay and / or vehicle access point. 14. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that there are assigned temporary storage positions in which the mobile vehicle elevator can temporarily place vehicles when it has access to vehicles stored behind the front vehicle in the vehicle stacking apparatus that provides vehicle parking bays of more than one depth of vehicle. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one vehicle service bay associated with either or both of vehicle service equipment or vehicle fuel filler equipment is provided, and to which temporarily perceive a vehicle for service or cleaning. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle parking bays are arranged in a structure that is, when seen in a top plan view, either curved or substantially circular. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a control system capable of controlling at least one mobile vehicle elevator and to implement at least one of: remembering which vehicle is stored where for the excess and recovery by a mobile vehicle lift; classify by priority the movements of a mobile vehicle lift; optimize the travel of a mobile vehicle elevator between positions for vehicle transfer; record the estimated time of return of the driver to give priority to the movements of a mobile vehicle lift. 18. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a control system capable of registering and implementing instructions for: special security requests for a vehicle user; facilitate requests by the vehicle user for available options such as service and grooming; allow recovery by other authorized or designated persons; provide accounting and cost facilities and account management, associated with the use and services requested. 19. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle is a boat, which is provided with a boat load elevator comprising a lifting means capable of being extended in the water to launch and remove the boats, Boat lift elevator is capable of lifting floating boats up to the level of the vehicle lift for transfer to, and from, either or both of: i) a means of transport in the vehicle lift, or ii) a trailer present in the means of transport in the vehicle elevator. Apparatus for stacking vehicles according to claim 18, characterized in that the boat loading elevator includes a means of transport for transporting a boat on or off the boat loading elevator.